Portlaoise still have plenty of work to do in return game
Portlaoise Goalkeeper, Jack Ryan was on top of his game
Portlaoise 4
Walsh Island Shamrocks 1
A PLEASANT afternoon set the scene for this semi-final tie in Rossleighan Park on Saturday.
The Offaly side were understrength due to a school trip and looked to be in trouble in the early stages, Portlaoise scoring in the opening two minutes. A exquisite through ball from Gary Brennan set Jack Phelan through , and the number 9 made no mistake to give the home side the lead.
Walsh Island have great determination in their side and within five minutes equalised following a mix up in the home defence. They took confidence from this and enjoyed their best spell of the game for ten minutes.
Midway through the half a splendid move saw Portlaoise regain the lead. Good work from Cian Fitzpatrick and Phelan in the middle of the park freed Ross Dunne on the right flank. Dunne passed back in to the centre to Ben Lanford, who showed quick feet to turn and fire home from outside the box - a splendid finish to a fine move.
As expected Walsh Island fought back but Kayden Carroll superb in the sweeper role keeping them at bay. Danny Gavin put his body on the line with a splendid block while Jack Ryan pulled off two good saves when called into action.
Portlaoise created several chances themselves before the break however it remained 2-1.
The second half saw Portlaoise come out strong, creating several chances. Some fine mazy runs by Sean Conka and Alex Zadjackowski saw them go close as Portlaoise dominated play. Twenty minutes into the half Portlaoise won a free kick 30 metres out. Cian Fitzpatrick stepped up and a powerful strike gave the keeper no chance, 3-1 to Portlaoise.
The home side went on the chase for more goals to boost their lead but Walsh Island held strong, their keeper pulling off some fine saves while their defence bravely got in a string of fine blocks to deny Portlaoise.
The last five minutes might prove to be decisive over the two legs. Firstly Walsh Island won a corner. A scramble in the area saw Jack Ryan pull off two point blank saves.
With two minutes remaining Brennan and Ryan combined as they did in the first minute. Brennan’s cross from the right was met by a looping header from Phelan over the keeper, a superb finish to make it 4-1.
This result might seem like the tie is over but it is far from the case. Walsh Island, on their home patch, with the returning players will be a different story. Hopefully Portlaoise won't rue the missed chances.
Overall this was a fine display. Keaden Carroll had a fine game as sweeper , while Ross Dunne and Danny Gavin were impressive in the first half especially. In the second half Cian Fitzpatrick and Cormac Walsh stood up to the plate when needed, while Andy Keane, Max Ryan and Robert Roe played their parts. Gary Brennan's two assists proved vital while Jack Ryan with two saves in particular were turning points in the game.
Player of the match went to Jack Phelan. Apart from his two goals he took to the number 9 role in style. His overall work rate and link up play a joy to watch.
The scene is set for the second leg in two weeks’ time, the tie far from over.
PORTLAOISE PANEL: Rhys McEvoy, Lucas Fitzpatrick, Robert Roe, Max Ryan, Andy Keane, Jack Ryan, Ross Dunne, Danny Gavin, Keaden Carroll, Cormac Walsh (captain), Alex Zadjackowski, Ben Langford, Sean Conka, Gary Brennan, Cian Fitzpatrick, Jack Phelan, Ciaran Skelly (injured)
